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The Eddie Howe Bournemouth Press Conference has taken place.
The Newcastle United Head Coach speaking to the media ahead of Sunday afternoon’s match on the south coast.
Eddie Howe and the players hoping to follow up that great battling win over Southampton, despite playing with 10 men for 73 minutes.
The NUFC Head Coach returning once again to the club where he made his name, an unbelievable job as he saved them from relegation into non-league football and then up through all the divisions into the Premier League.
Lloyd Kelly makes a swift return after changing clubs this summer.
Eddie Howe speaking at his Bournemouth press conference on Friday morning:
Eddie Howe on the Southampton win:
“We defended our goal really well, a great return to the style of how to defend.
“It is about doing that consistently, that was only one game, but I was very pleased.
“It was an important game for us, sets the marker for us.”
Eddie Howe on Bournemouth:
“We had two really tough games against them last season, they are an athletic side who will hurt you on transitions if you are not on it.
“We are not fooled by how difficult this game will be, we need to be better on the road then we were last season.
“We need to go into this game with the right frame of mind. When you turn up for a game, you are there to win.
“We have to try and start well; we have to try and get momentum in our season.”
Eddie Howe asked about transfer situation:
“No news.
“I am a step removed from it and so it is always difficult for me to give you definitive answers.
“However, I am aware there is still work going on behind the scenes.”
Eddie Howe asked about media speculation claiming Kieran Trippier wants to leave:
“Tripps has trained really well.
“I am surprised by a lot of the stories [[in the media].
“He is a valuable member of the squad.
“He has trained really well ever since coming back from the Euros and continues to be really valued by all of us.
“He has trained as normal [this week] and has been very good.
“I’m not really sure where this [speculation in the media] has come from.
“He is just preparing, as we all are, for the game on Sunday.”
Eddie Howe on the captaincy:
“Jamaal [Lascelles] has been promoted to club captain, so he’s going to oversee the other captains.
“He’s an incredible leader behind-the-scenes, and Kieran [Trippier] and Dan [Burn] in the leadership group continue their roles.
“Bruno has stepped up to be team captain, but we need eleven leaders on the pitch, regardless of who wears the armband.”
Eddie Howe on Lloyd Kelly:
“Lloyd is in good condition; he didn’t have a lot of match action [in pre-season].
“He trained for roughly three weeks and trained really well.
“He has made a really positive impact with the group.
I have been really impressed by his performances, especially when he came on in a difficult situation for us [against Southampton].
“He would say he is ready and he is pushing for a start.”
Eddie Howe on injuries:
“There has not been much change.
“Matt Targett has had a bit more training under his belt this week, a good 45 minutes for him for the U21s.
“We are pretty much as we were.”